Wireless thermometer and method of use thereof

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for sensing body temperature and wirelessly communicating measured data to at least one electronic device. The device includes a sensor device having a housing base, a housing cover releasably mountable on the housing base, and components for sensing body temperature and wirelessly communicating the measured temperature, including a temperature sensor, a power supply, a microprocessor, and a transmitter and receiver. The electronic device can include an application that communicates with the sensor device and provides a user interface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/635,847 filed Apr. 19,2012, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated byreference as part of the present disclosure as if fully set forthherein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a sensor device configured towirelessly communicate with other electronic devices, and morespecifically, a temperature sensor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In general, devices used to measure temperature, such as bodytemperature, are known. If it is determined that one's body temperatureis not within the normal body temperature range, it can indicate anillness or other health condition, e.g., hypothermia. It is desirable ifnot necessary to continue to monitor one's temperature to determine theindividual's state of health, to determine what further treatment oraction to take, or whether the individual is improving or responding totreatment. In a hospital or other medical facility setting, medicalpersonnel will typically check a patient's temperature on apre-determined schedule In addition to consuming personnel resources,this can be disrupting to the patient, especially if the patient needsto be awaken. Even outside a medical facility setting, for youngchildren who regularly sleep for many hours of the day and night, forexample, especially when ill, measuring and monitoring their bodytemperature can become a great source of agitation to both the child andparents as parents, using known thermometers, must regularly disturb orwake up their child to measure the child's temperature causing both thechild and parents to lose sleep.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, an apparatus senses body temperature and wirelesslycommunicates measured data to at least one electronic device. Theapparatus can comprise a sensor device having a housing base, a housingcover releasably mountable to the housing base, and components forsensing body temperature and wirelessly communicating the measured dataincluding a temperature sensor, a power supply, a microprocessor, and atransmitter and receiver.

The housing base can have a protrusion in which the temperature sensoris arranged and the protrusion can be contactable with a user to obtaina body temperature reading of the user. The housing base can also have agroove and a lip. Furthermore, the housing cover can have a projectionextending therefrom and arranged in the groove to define a channel.Additionally, the apparatus can further comprise a flexible carrier,which has an aperture therein for releasably retaining, for example bypress-fit, the sensor device. The sensor device can be retained by thechannel in the aperture of the carrier. Alternatively or in addition tothe channel, the sensor device can be retained via the lip on thecarrier. The carrier, which can be breathable, can be comprised of aframe, an adhesive layer with a first side and a second side, and abacking. The first side of the adhesive layer can be affixable to theframe and the second side can be affixable to a user after removal ofthe backing layer.

The temperature sensor can be a thermistor or a thermocouple. The powersupply can be a battery, which is disposable or rechargeable, and/oralternating current or direct current, supplied via a power cord. Theapparatus can further comprise at least one light, such as an LED. Themicroprocessor can include embedded software and dynamic memory storage.The transmitter and the receiver can communicate with the at least oneelectronic device via at least one of: R-F communication, infraredcommunication, Bluetooth communication, and Wi-Fi communication.Moreover, the at least one electronic device can be at least one of a:smart phone, a tablet, a mobile computer, and a desktop computer.

In another embodiment, a kit comprises a sensor device that has ahousing base, a housing cover releasably mountable on the housing base,and components for sensing body temperature and wirelessly communicatingthe measured data including a temperature sensor, a power supply, amicroprocessor, and a transmitter and receiver, a carrier, which retainsthe sensor device, and a charging unit. The charging unit can comprise acharging cover, a charging base, a port within the charging base forfittingly receiving the device therein, and a power cord, which can beconnectable to at least one of a wall outlet or a USB device.Additionally, the charging unit can include a storage unit for storingthe carrier.

In yet another embodiment, a method for sensing body temperature andwirelessly communicating measured body temperature to at least oneelectronic device comprises the steps of connecting a device for sensingbody temperature wirelessly to the at least one electronic device,attaching the device to a user, measuring the body temperature of theuser, transmitting the measured body temperature of the user wirelesslyfrom the device to the at least one electronic device, and displayingthe temperature on the at least one electronic device. The temperaturemeasured can be displayed in an application installed on the at leastone electronic device. Moreover, the body temperature measured can bewirelessly transmitted from the sensing device to at least one of a:smart phone, a tablet, a mobile computer, and a desktop computer.Furthermore, the method can comprise the step of transmitting data,which can include measurement instructions, from the at least oneelectronic device to the device sensing body temperature.

In a further embodiment, a method of assembling a sensing device and acarrier for sensing body temperature and wirelessly communicatingmeasured data to at least one electronic device comprises the steps ofproviding the sensor device, providing the carrier having an opening,and arranging the sensor device in the opening engaging the sensordevice of the carrier. The sensor device can be press-fit into thecarrier. Moreover, the carrier can have a perforated tab extending intothe opening and the method can further comprise the step of pulling thetab to release the sensor device from the carrier.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention, and/or of thecurrent embodiments thereof, will become more readily apparent in viewof the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of an embodiment of a temperaturesensor assembly, which includes a sensor device and a carrier;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the temperature sensor assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective bottom view of the temperature sensor assemblyof FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the temperature sensor assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the temperature sensor assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is top view of the temperature sensor assembly of FIG. 1 with ahousing cover removed to show internal components of the sensor device;

FIGS. 7 a-7 e show an embodiment of a charger unit for use withtemperature sensor assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a temperaturesensor assembly showing a sensor device and a carrier prior toattachment of the components;

FIG. 9 shows the temperature sensor assembly of FIG. 8 wirelesslyconnected to an embodiment of an electronic device having an applicationinstalled thereon for displaying data transmitted from the sensordevice;

FIG. 10 is a schematic top view of another embodiment of a temperaturesensor assembly, which includes a sensor device and a carrier;

FIG. 11 a is a schematic view of the assembly of the temperature sensorassembly of FIG. 10;

FIG. 11 b is a schematic view of a final assembly of FIG. 11 a;

FIG. 12 is a top view of another embodiment of a sensor device, whichcan be included in the assembly of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the sensor device of FIG. 12;

FIGS. 14 a-14 g respectively show a front perspective, top, front, back,bottom, left and right view of another embodiment of a sensor device,having an initially curved state;

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of a sensor device of FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is a top view of a frame of the carrier, which is included inthe assembly of FIG. 10;

FIG. 17 is a top view of an adhesive layer, which is affixable to thecarrier frame of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a top view of peel-off backing, which is removably affixed tothe adhesive layer of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a top view of an assembled carrier, which includes the frame,adhesive layer, and peel-off backing;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional side view of the carrier assembly;

FIG. 21 illustrates the temperature sensor assembly of FIG. 10 in use ona child;

FIG. 22 is a top view of another embodiment of a temperature sensorassembly, which includes a sensor device and a carrier;

FIG. 23 is a schematic view of the assembly of the temperature sensorassembly of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a side view of the temperature sensor assembly of FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is an exploded view of the sensor device of FIG. 22;

FIG. 26 is a bottom view of the temperature sensor assembly of FIG. 22;

FIG. 27 is an assembly view of an embodiment of a temperature sensor andan armband assembly, which can be used to secure the sensor to a user'sarm;

FIG. 28 illustrates the assembly of FIG. 27 in use on a person;

FIG. 29 is a top view of another embodiment of a temperature sensorassembly, which includes a sensor device and a carrier;

FIG. 30 is a schematic view of the assembly of the temperature sensorassembly of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a top view the temperatures sensor of FIG. 22 mounted in acharger and the sensor and charger sitting in a base, with the chargercover in an open position;

FIG. 32 is a top view of the charger, sensor and base assembly of FIG.31 with the charger cover in a closed position;

FIG. 33 is a top view of the charger and sensor assembly of FIG. 31removed from the base and showing a storage compartment in the basecontaining an additional carrier; and

FIG. 34 is a top view of another embodiment of a temperature sensorassembly, which includes a sensor device and a carrier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 through 6 illustrate an embodiment of a wireless thermometerassembly that is indicated generally by reference numeral 10. Broadly,the thermometer assembly 10 includes a sensor device 12 and a flexiblecarrier 14 engageable to the sensor device 12, as described below. Asdepicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sensor device 12 comprises a housingcover 16 that defines an aperture 18 for viewing of an LED indication ofvarious states of the device 12 (described below) and an contouredportion forming an indented power button 20. As shown in FIG. 3, thesensor device 12 also comprises a housing base 22, which includes aprojection 24 that can be placed against a user's skin to obtain atemperature reading, as described below.

In an assembled state, as shown in FIG. 4, the housing cover 16 isattachable to the housing base 22 to enclose the components of thesensor device 12 located therebetween the housing cover 16 and thehousing base 22. When assembled together, the housing base 22 andhousing cover 16 define a peripheral channel 26 therebetween as shown inFIG. 4. As depicted in FIG. 5, the housing cover 16 includes anperipheral projection 28 that extends therefrom, and the housing base 22has a groove 30 in which the peripheral projection 28 fittingly engagesto define the peripheral channel 26. In combination, the housing cover16 and housing base 22 define a thickness of the assembled sensor device12 (e.g., 3 mm to about 6 mm). In some embodiments, the housing cover 16and housing base 22 are permanently attached to each other, e.g., byadhesive, welding, etc. Alternatively, the housing cover 16 and housingbase 22 may be releasably attachable, e.g., a friction fit, in order toaccess the internal components of the sensor 12, e.g., for service orreplacement.

As shown in FIG. 5, the carrier 14, which can include a surface thatadheres to a user's skin, e.g., adhesive layer 36 an underside of thecarrier 15, has an opening 32 therein, the periphery 32 a of whichgenerally corresponds to the shape of the peripheral channel 26. Toreleasably retain the sensor device 12 in the carrier 14, the carrier 14is moved over the housing cover 16 until it is received in theperipheral channel 26, the sensor 12 engaged within the opening 32 (SeeFIG. 4). As seen in FIG. 4, the housing cover 16 is larger than theopening 32, and thus interferes with the periphery 32 a uponinstallation of the carrier 14. To install the carrier 14, a force isapplied to the carrier 14 relative to the housing cover 16 (downward inFIG. 4), deflecting the periphery 32 a so as to elastically deform theopening 32 to the size of the housing cover 16, allowing it to pass overthe housing cover 16 and into the peripheral channel 26. Once thecarrier 14 passes by the enlarged portion of the housing cover 16, thecarrier 14 elastically returns to or nearly to its original shape, e.g.,smaller than the housing cover 16. In such manner, the carrier 14 can beretained in the peripheral channel 26.

Conversely, to separate the carrier 14 from the peripheral channel 26,an opposite force is applied to the carrier 14 relative to the housingcover 16 (upward in FIG. 4), to deform the carrier 14 and opening 32 tobe able to move the carrier 14 over and past the housing cover 16. Asshould be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the carrier14 can be made of a material and have a configuration that permits it tobe sufficiently flexed to install it over the housing cover 16, e.g.,plastic, silicone, rubber, metal, etc. The modulus of flexibility of thecarrier 14, e.g., as determined by the material and configuration,and/or the degree of interference between the carrier 14 and the housingcover 16, can be selected to permit assembly of the carrier 14 andsensor 12 without excessive force (making it difficult for a user toinstall/disassemble). At the same time, these characteristics can beselected so that sufficient force is necessary to mitigate accidental orunintentional disassembly of the carrier 14 and sensor 12.

In some embodiments, the carrier 14 can define a length within the rangeof about 1.50 inches to about 1.80 inches, and can be within the rangeof about 1.60 inches to about 1.70 inches. Also, in some suchembodiments, the carrier 14 can define a width within the range of about0.08 inch to about 1.2 inches and can be within the range of about 0.09inch to about 1.10 inches. In some embodiments the carrier 14 may bereusable. In other embodiments the carrier may be disposable. Althoughvarious embodiments are described herein, it should be recognized thatthe carrier 14 can be of any desired length, width, and shape that canaccommodate the sensor device 12. However, as may be recognized by oneof ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein,the sensor device may be placed on a user via any of numerous releasableattachment methods, currently known, or that later become known.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, various components are housed between thehousing cover 16 and the base 18 of the sensor 12. These components caninclude a temperature sensor 38, such as, for example, a thermistor orthermocouple, a power supply 40, a microprocessor 42 with embeddedsoftware and dynamic memory, a radio transmitter 44 and a receiver 46with an antenna, a power switch 48, and one or more light emittingdiodes (LED) 50, or alternatively, a multi-color LED. The antenna mayconsist of PCB antenna, or chip antenna, or integrated antenna in theradio IC/module. However, as may be recognized by one of ordinary skillin the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, any of numerousother internal components currently known, or that later become known,necessary for the integration and proper functioning of theaforementioned internal components may be included within thethermometer housing.

In some embodiments, the power supply 40 may be in the form of arechargeable battery or batteries that may provide power forapproximately 24 hours on a single charge. In other embodiments, thepower supply 40 may be in the form of a disposable/replaceable batteryor batteries. In yet other embodiments, the sensor device 12 may receiveexternal AC or DC power via a power cord connectable in electricalcommunication with the sensor 12 in a known manner. In embodiments wherethe sensor device 12 is powered via rechargeable batteries that can befully charged, for example, in approximately 1 hour, the thermometerassembly 10 may further include a plug (not shown) for connecting to anexternal power source and/or a charging antenna (not shown) forcapturing energy from a charging system.

The LED(s) 50 indicate various states of the device through the aperture32 of the housing cover 12. Various states of the device may include ON,OFF, searching for wireless connection, connected, low battery,charging, and/or fully charged. However, as may be recognized by one ofordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, anyof numerous states of the device, currently known, or that later becomeknown, may also be indicated. In some embodiments, the LED(s) mayindicate various states of the device via different colors. In someembodiments, the LED(s) may indicate various states of the device via aconstant light and/or different blinking light patterns. In yet otherembodiments, the LED(s) may indicate various states of the device via acombination of color and blinking patterns. In other embodiments, theLED(s) may indicate various states utilizing different light intensities(brightnesses), alone or in combination with colors and solid/blinkingpatterns. However, as may be recognized by one of ordinary skill in thepertinent art based on the teachings herein, any of numerous other lightsources currently known, or that later become known, may be utilized toperform the function of indicating various states of a device.

FIGS. 7 a-7 e illustrate an embodiment of a charging system 54 forcharging the sensor device 12, in embodiments where the power supply 40includes a chargeable/rechargeable power supply, e.g. rechargeablebatteries. More specifically, FIG. 7 a depicts a top view of thecharging system 54. The charging system 54 includes a charger base 56 towhich is hingedly attached a charger cover 58, and a storage unit 62.Alternatively, the charger cover 58 can be removably attachable to thecharger base 56 by other mechanisms, e.g., friction fit, snap fit, etc.,as should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Thecharger base 56 includes a power cord 52 protruding therefrom forattachment to a power source. As may be recognized by one of ordinaryskill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the power cord52 may be configured and connectable to any of numerous power sources,currently known, or that later become known, such as, for example, awall outlet, a transformer (such as a DC transformer), or a USB outlet.The charger base 56 may also include a notification light 57, e.g., oneor more LEDs, indicating via different colors, intensities and/ordifferent blinking patterns the status of the sensor device 12, e.g.,whether the sensor device is discharged, charging or fully charged. Thecharger cover can be transparent or translucent to allow the status ofthe sensor device to be viewed while the cover is in the closedposition. The charging system 54 can also include a storage unit 62defining an interior storage space 62 a for storing one or more adhesivecarriers 14 therein. As seen best in FIG. 7 b, which is a side view ofthe charging system 54 and FIG. 7 c, which shows separation of thecharging base 54 from the storage unit 62, the charger base 56 andstorage unit 62 are substantially complementary configured so that thecharger base 56 and storage unit can be removably assembled. In thismanner, the interior storage space 62 a can be enclosed, as seen in FIG.7 b. In the illustrated embodiment, the storage unit 62 includes aperipheral channel 60 in the sidewall of the storage unit 62, which canbe used to wrapping wrap the cord 52 around the storage unit 62 when notin use. FIG. 7 d illustrates a top view of the charger base 56 with thecharger cover 58 in an open position. The charger base 56 defines a port63 to fittingly receive the sensor device 12 for recharging thereof.Finally, FIG. 7 e illustrates a top view of the storage unit 62 with acarrier 14 stored therein.

As may be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the pertinent art basedon the teachings herein, the thermometer may utilize any of numerousdifferent charging units currently known, or that later become known,for charging thereof. In some embodiments, the sensor unit 12 has anelectrical contact in electrical communication with the power supply 40,and the port includes an electrical contact in electrical communicationwith power cord 52. The electrical contacts of the sensor unit 12 andport are positioned relative to each other such that, when the chargerbase 56 is engaged with the port, the electrical contacts of the sensorand port are placed into electrical contact with each other. Powerprovided to port via the power cord 52 can then transfer to the sensorand charge/recharge the power supply 40 of the sensor unit 12.

In other embodiments, for example, a charging system can be employed toensure operability of the sensor device 16 providing wireless chargingthrough the use of an inductive coupling of electrical energy from acharging source that is housed within the port 63, which in suchembodiments defines an external charging cradle (holder). The chargingcradle can include an inductive coupling device that has a wire coilwith or without a magnetic core or core material. The charging cradle iselectrically connectable to the power cord 52. To charge the sensor 16,the sensor 16 can be placed into the cradle of the charging system 54.An alternating current (AC) signal can be applied to the wire coil(e.g., from a wall outlet) in order to produce a field that will beapplied to a receiving coil (not shown) housed within the sensor. Thesensor 16 may include electronics that regulate the received rechargeenergy as it is applied to the battery or batteries. The charging sourcemay operate continuously, may only provide power to the inductivecharging source when the sensor 16 is detected to be in the chargingcradle, or when a cover 58 or other retention mechanism is in place. Inanother embodiment, the charging cradle can provide a constant inductivecharging field without any communication or power level adjustmentregardless of the state of charge present within the battery orbatteries 40 of the sensor 16. In a further embodiment, the chargingcradle may also be able to regulate the charging field based oncommunication between the sensor and the charging cradle as describedbelow. For example, the charging cradle can contain electrical controlsadapted to alter the frequency and/or voltage and/or the current appliedto the inductive element in the charging cradle depending on informationprovided regarding the state of charge, temperature, or condition of thebattery or batteries 40 housed within the sensor 16 or the functionalstatus of the sensor 16.

In some embodiments, the sensor device 16 is capable of monitoring andregulating the state of the charge of a rechargeable battery orbatteries using an overcharge regulation system or an over-dischargeprotection system.

Using an overcharge regulation system, externally supplied chargingenergy can be regulated internally by the sensor device 16 to prevent anovercharge of the battery or batteries 40, which will prevent batterysystem damage. The overcharge regulation system can employ variousmechanisms including, but not limited to: (1) over-voltage protection,where peak voltage of the battery is limited or “clamped” to preventadditional charge energy from being applied to the battery 40; (2)temperature protection, where the temperature of the battery and/or theambient environment may be monitored to reduce or prevent charging fromoccurring when temperatures exceed predetermined temperaturespecifications for property battery operation; or (3) an integratedcharge tally (“Coulomb Counting”) where the current that is supplied tothe battery 40 is measured.

Using the integrated charge tally mechanism, the amount of chargeapplied to the battery 40 during charging is measured by integrating themeasured charge current over the time period that the charge is applied(charge=current+time). The applied charge can be added to a knownstarting state of charge (Amp-hours) to determine the charge state (inAmp-hours) of the battery 40. As is known, the starting charge can, forexample, be stored in a memory, which can be non-volatile, in the sensor16. Prior to any charge, the state of charge is presumed zero, and thecharge state is determined going forward on a cumulative basis (chargeand discharge) When the sum of the measured integrated chargecurrent-time product and the starting Amp-hour state of charge reach amaximum value, e.g., full battery charge, the recharge energy may begradually reduced or the recharge can be terminated.

Alternatively, using an over-discharge protection system, the sensordevice will stop functioning and prevent a further drain and ultimatelydamage to the battery or batteries. Over-discharge protection can beactivated when certain criteria is met that indicates that the batteryor batteries is fully depleted or has encountered other conditions thatrequire battery discharge to terminate. When over-discharge protectionis activated, warnings indicating a low battery condition could be sentto the user or other connected devices, which indicate that a cutoff isimminent. A low battery condition and, thus, an under-voltage conditionmight be met where the battery voltage drops below or equals a setvoltage level indicating that the battery is fully depleted.Additionally, an indication that a battery or batteries may be nearingdepletion could be met by measuring the integrated charge tally, whichis determined by integrating the current over the time of the dischargeor usage period. Moreover, increasing temperature can be used toindicate that the battery is nearing a depleted state. Furthermore,increasing internal resistance can additionally be used to indicate thatthe battery is nearing a depleted state.

In other embodiments, the state of charge of a battery or batterieswithin a sensor device can be provided using one or more techniques,which include: (1) integrated charge tally; (2) open circuit voltage;and (3) over-discharge protection, in combination. The integrated chargetally technique, where the current that is supplied to the battery orbatteries is measured, has been discussed above. However, it should benoted that the capacity of the battery or batteries may change over timedue to degradation that is typically associated with battery life. Theavailable Amp-hour capacity of the battery or batteries may be reduced,requiring that the state of charge measurement be adjusted to reduce thepoint at which the battery or batteries is considered to be fullycharged. This may be accomplished by comparing the amount of currentthat was drawn from the battery or batteries during operation to theamount of battery capacity supplied during recharge. An algorithm wouldbe employed to determine if the battery or batteries capacity has beenreduced and would then adjust the maximum capacity used forstate-of-charge.

For the open-source voltage technique, using a low power microcontrollerand associated measurement circuitry, the voltage of the battery orbatteries 40 may be measured and compared to a lookup table ormathematical function, which may be stored in memory of the sensor 16 oreven the charging system 54, that will relate the open circuit, orlightly loaded battery voltage to the state of charge, since the stateof charge of a battery or batteries is often correlated to the measuredopen circuit voltage. Temperature may be used as a factor in thedetermination, since in many battery systems, the voltage apparent onthe terminals may be significantly affected by the temperature of thebattery. A lookup table relating the voltage at various stages of chargeto the battery or batteries 40 of temperature may be included in thesensor 16.

Using the discharge rate dependent capacity measurement technique, ahigh discharge slope may be obtained by applying a known dischargecurrent to a battery or batteries. This may be due to factors such asdynamic internal impedance and diffusion rates of the electrolyte andactive materials. As a battery or batteries become increasinglydepleted, the internal impedance generally increases. This has theeffect of creating a lower VUL (voltage under load). By evaluating theincreasing internal resistance, this can be correlated to state ofcharge. Additionally, as the battery active materials react during adischarge, the diffusion rate of electrolytes or reaction rates of theactive materials tend to decrease, which has the apparent effect ofincreasing slope of the VUL. This change in voltage can be expressed asa change in voltage over time, or dV/dt ratio. This value canadditionally be used to determine the remaining available capacity byapplying a known constant current load, or by measuring the current loadas the device is operating over a fixed period of time. The dV/dt ratiocan then be calculated and compared to a look up table or other functionthat will correlate the dV/dt ratio to the state of charge. In anotherembodiment, battery impedance can be measured and utilized as anindication of a battery condition. Battery impedance can be measuredusing various methods. One method could be to perform a dV/dImeasurement. In this method, a battery is subjected to two shortduration constant current discharge pulses. The duration of the pulsescan be less than 100 ms, but longer than 10 ms depending on theelectrochemistry of the battery being measured, as should be understoodby those of ordinary skill in the art. The duration of the pulses shouldbe equal. The first pulse is generally a low current pulse and isapplied at a rate that is at least 10 times less than the peak expectedcurrent drain from the battery in the application. The second pulse isapplied at a rate that is at least 10 times greater than the dischargecurrent of the first low current pulse. Each pulse will require themeasurement of the battery voltage just prior to the end of the pulse.The measured voltage on each pulse will be a measured VUL. The internalresistance of the battery is determined by the following equation:

$R_{b} = \frac{\left( {V_{p\; 1} - V_{p\; 10}} \right)}{\left( {I_{p\; 10} - I_{p\; 1}} \right)}$

Once measured, the internal impedance can be used to aid in thedetermination of the state of charge during discharge or rechargefunctions. Increasing internal resistance can be used to indicate thatthe battery is nearing end of life.

In yet other embodiments, the transmission of the state of charge orgeneral battery condition may be provided using several indicationmethods. In one such embodiment, a light or lights, such as an LED orLEDs, which are mounted on or within the sensor device, can be used toindicate state of charge. Various states of the device may include ON,OFF, searching for wireless connection, connected, low battery,charging, and/or fully charged. However, as may be recognized by one ofordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, anyof numerous states of the device, currently known, or that later becomeknown, may also be indicated. In some embodiments, the light or lightsmay indicate various states of the device via different colors. In otherembodiments, the light or lights may indicate various states of thedevice via a constant light and/or different blinking light patterns. Inyet other embodiments, the light or lights may indicate various statesof the device via a combination of intensity, color and blinkingpatterns. In other embodiments, lights can also be used to indicatebattery conditions such as over-temperature, high impedance or end oflife. However, as may be recognized by one of ordinary skill in thepertinent art based on the teachings herein, any of numerous other lightsources currently known, or that later become known, may be utilized toperform the function of indicating various states of a device. In yetanother embodiment, RF or wireless communication indicating the state ofcharge or other battery conditions such as internal impedance,temperature or capacity can be achieved using the radio communicationscapability within the sensor to an information display device such as aphone, computer or tablet that has a radio or wireless receiver. Thedisplay device can include an application or program that is programmedto receive and process the transmitted information and display orotherwise communicate this information regarding battery status to theuser. Additionally, in another embodiment, RF or other communicationindicating the state of charge (gas gauge) or other battery conditionssuch as internal impedance, temperature or capacity can be achievedbetween a sensor device and a charging cradle. The cradle can utilizethis information to adjust the parameters that control the chargingpower supplied to the sensor device. Additionally, indicators on thecharging station, such as lights, LEDs, etc., via, for example, anintensity, color change, blinking patterns, audible transducers, ordisplays can be used to indicate the state of charge of the battery,charging state (charge, charge completed, error, etc.) or batterycondition to the user.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a thermometer assembly 110, whichincludes a sensor device 112 and a carrier 114. The thermometer assembly110 is similar to assembly 10 described above, and like or similar partsare indicated using like numbers preceded by the number “1.” Onedifference between the assembly 10 and the assembly 110 is the carrier114. The carrier 114 has a raised surface 114 a that engages with theperipheral channel 126, and a sloping contour to aid in securing thecarrier 114 to the sensor device 102 while allowing a housing cover 116of the sensor device 112 to protrude through an opening 132 in thecarrier 114. The sloping contour extends outwardly to a flange 114 b.The bottom surface of the flange 114 b can include an adhesive surface136 to adhere the carrier 114, and thus the sensor unit 112, to a user'sbody for temperature measurement. However, carrier 114 can also includeany other known tactile surfaces that would allow the carrier 114 toadhere to a user's body. The configuration of the carrier 114 places theadhesive-containing bottom surface of the flange 114 b substantiallyflush with the skin-contacting bottom edge of the sensor unit 112. Thisaids in establishing and maintaining securing contact of the carrier 114and sensor unit 112 to the skin.

As shown in an embodiment in FIG. 9, the thermometer assembly 100 can bewirelessly connectable to, e.g., placed into communication with, anelectronic device 200 or multiple electronic devices for sending andreceiving of data to be displayed in digital, analog, and/or graphicalformat. In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic device 200 is asmart phone. However, as may be recognized by one of ordinary skill inthe pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the electronic devicemay be any of numerous electronic devices currently known, or that laterbecome known, such as, for example, a tablet, a mobile computer, adesktop computer, or other wireless devices. Data transmission may beachieved via any standard format, including, but not limited to, R-F,Infrared, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connections. In some embodiments, thethermometer assembly may be connected to an electronic device(s) from upto 200 feet away. Also, in some embodiments, thermometer assembly mayconnect directly to the electronic device(s) and/or may connectindirectly to the electronic device(s) via, for example, a router,server or network. In some embodiments, the assembly may communicatewith the electronic device(s) 200 via a wired connected, e.g., a USB orother data-carrying cable.

In other embodiments, the data transmitted from the thermometer assembly100 to the electronic device(s) can include user body temperature,device identification, and device status, such as, for example, lowbattery, charging, fully charged and/or powered ON or OFF, lost contactwith a user's skin, and loss of contact between the electronic deviceand the thermometer assembly. The thermometer assembly 100 may alsoreceive data from the electronic device(s) 200 such as, but not limitedto, transmission confirmation and programming instructions. Programminginstructions may include, but are not limited to, instructions to senseand transmit the present temperature (instant temperature read), whichallows the user to obtain the current temperature. Other programminginstructions include temperature tracking for a specified period of timeat specified time intervals. In some embodiments, in the instance wherethe thermometer assembly 100 detects a loss of connection with theelectronic device(s) 200, the sensor device can continue to implementthe programming instructions and store data in dynamic memory untilreconnection is obtained, at which time the stored data is transmittedto the electronic device(s) 200. Although the electronic device 200 isillustrated herein with one embodiment of the thermometer assembly 100,it should be understood that the electronic device 200 can be used inconjunction with any of temperature sensors disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, the electronic device(s) may include an installedapplication or program that communicates with the thermometer assemblyand provides a user interface, as shown in FIG. 9. The application mayinclude multiple device support, wherein multiple sensor units can beconnected, either separately or at the same time, and each pairedthermometer has its own data set in the form of a profile. The user mayadd information to each profile, such as user name, date of birth and apicture. Within any selected profile, the application may display, theprofile information as well as current body temperature and/ortemperature history, as shown in FIG. 9. Temperature history may bedisplayed in the form of a graph and/or a chart. The application mayalso include notifications, such as, for example, connectionnotifications, battery notifications, as well as notifications toadminister medications at specific times with the required dosage.Additionally the application may also include alarms in connection withthe notifications. The application may include alarms in connection withsensed temperature that is out of the normal body temperature range, orsurpasses a set threshold, which can include exceeding a temperature,indicating a rising fever, or falling below a temperature, indicating areducing fever. The former can alert a user to a change in healthcondition or that additional treatment, e.g., a next medicine dose, isrequired. The latter can be useful, for example, to notify a user that atreatment has taken effect. The alarms and/or notifications may takevarious forms, including any of or combinations of visual (screendisplay, color change, blinking patterns, etc.) and audio notifications(sound, voice, etc.). Data transmitted to the application can also beexportable from the application. For example, the data may be exportedfrom the application to a doctor's office or an insurance company. Whilethe user uses the electronic device(s), the application may run in thebackground.

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates another embodiment of a temperaturesensor assembly 300, which, similarly to assemblies 10, 110 includes asensor device 302 and a carrier 304. As shown in FIG. 10, the sensordevice 302 includes a temperature sensor 306, such as a thermistor arrayor a thermocouple, a power supply 308, such as a rechargeable ordisposable batterie(s) or external DC or AC power via a power cord, arecharging area 310, a display 312, such as LEDs, to, e.g., indicate thevarious states of the device 302, a power button 314 and otherelectronic components, which are used to integrate and allow thetemperature sensor 306, power supply 308 and display 312 to function.The recharging area 310 receives power from the charging system androutes that power to the battery for recharging. The recharging area 310can, for example, contain the components described above (hardware,software, memory, circuits, etc.) for charging the power system 104,e.g., by electric contact or inductive charging. The display 312 can beused to indicate the various states of the sensor device 302. Thesestates can include, but are not limited to, whether the device 302 is onor off, if the device 302 is searching for a wireless signal orconnected to a wireless signal, has a low battery, is charging or isfully charged.

FIG. 11 a schematically depicts assembly of the sensor device 302 andthe carrier 304. The sensor device 302 can be connected to the carrier304, for example, by press-fit or snap-fit, as further described below.However, any other known method of connection can also be utilized toconnect the sensor device 302 to the carrier 304. In at least someembodiments, the connection ensures that the sensor device 302 and thecarrier 304 will not be inadvertently separated from each other, e.g.,without an intentional movement or application of force by a user. FIG.11 b schematically illustrates the sensor device 302 and the carrier 304in a final assembled arrangement.

FIGS. 12, 13, and 15 illustrate embodiments of the sensor device 302,which may be formed to be flexible in one or multiple directions. Thesensor device 302 can be of any height, width, or depth that will allowthe sensor device 302 to be connectable with an associated carrier 304(e.g., 2.5 inches in length and 0.72 inches in height). In theembodiments depicted in FIGS. 12, 13, and 15, the sensor device 302 hascurved contours, which define the outer edges of the device 302. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 13, the sensor device 302 can be manufacturedso as to be substantially linear or uncurved in an originating positionand flexible in an upward and/or downward manner, if desired, to contourtoward the shape of a user's body.

Another embodiment of a sensor device 700 is shown in FIGS. 14 a-14 g.The sensor device 700 includes a surface 704 that can be placed againsta user's skin to obtain a temperature reading. The sensor device 700 canbe manufactured so as to be curved in an originating position. Thesensor device 700 can be provided with any desired radius (e.g., 5.00inches) depending on the desired curvature of the shape.

Alternatively, the base 702 can have any desired one-, two- orthree-dimensional shape or contour. If the base 702 is made of injectionmolded plastic, for example, the mold can be configured to produce abase 702 having the desired shape. As another example, a formablematerial, such as a thermoplastic sheet or metal, can be formed into thedesired shape by using a die or former. The base 702, and thereby thesensor device 700, can therefore be shaped and/or contoured for aspecific part of the body, if desired.

Embodiments of the carrier 304, in which the sensor device 302 isarranged, are illustrated in FIGS. 16-20. The carrier 304 can be of anyheight, width, or depth that can accommodate an associated sensor device302 (e.g., 2.8 inches in length and 0.97 inches in height).

FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of a carrier frame 322 of the carrier304 with contoured sidewalls 324. The contoured sidewalls 324 define anouter periphery and an opening 332 in which the sensor device 302 isheld. The frame 322 can be manufactured from any known material, e.g.,plastic, metal, silicone or rubber that is bendable so as to conform toa user's temple, arm or other body part on which a temperature readingmay be desired. Additionally, any known process, such as thermoforming,can be utilized to for the carrier frame 322.

FIG. 17 illustrates an adhesive layer 326 that is fastenable to thecarrier frame 322. The adhesive layer 326 includes an opening 328 thatcan be, for example, punched thru the adhesive layer, either prior to orduring (by) assembly of the sensor unit 302 into the carrier (which canbe assisted by previously perforating the adhesive layer 326), and aperforated strip 330, which extends from the adhesive layer 326 into theopening 328, engaging the sensor unit, helping maintain the sensor unitin the carrier 340. The strip 330 can to aid in removing the sensordevice 302 from the carrier 304 after use by pulling the strip 330,which in turn applies a force to the sensor device 302 and helps toforce the sensor device 302 from the carrier 304. The adhesive layer cancontain an adhesive on the skin-contacting side thereof to adhere thecarrier 304 to the skin. The adhesive layer 326 can also contain anadhesive on the side opposite the skin-contacting side to assist inholding the temperature sensor 302 in the carrier 304.

FIG. 18 illustrates a peel-off backing 332 that is removably affixableto the structural adhesive layer 326, e.g., over the adhesive on theskin-contacting side. The peel-off backing 332 ensures that the adhesivelayer 326 is not contaminated and remains tacky prior to use.

FIG. 19 is a top view of an assembled carrier 304 that includes theframe 324, the adhesive layer 326 affixed to the frame 324, and thepeel-off backing 332 affixed to the adhesive layer 326. The adhesivelayer 326 can be affixed or connected to the frame 324 by any suitablemeans, e.g., adhesive, welding, etc. to form the carrier 304.

FIG. 20 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the carrier 304. As shown,contoured sidewalls 336 of the frame 324 define a groove or opening 332in which the sensor 302 is arranged and secured, for example, bypress-fit, as shown in FIGS. 11 a-11 b. For example, sidewalls 336 areconfigured so that the opening 332 is smaller than the base 302 a of thetemperature sensor 302. Thus, the sidewalls 336 define an interferencewith the base 302 a. In order to engage the temperature sensor 302 intothe carrier 304, the sidewalls are configured with a flexibility, e.g.,and elastically-deformable material such as plastic, metal, rubber,silicone, etc., so as to elastically deform the sidewalls 336 and theopening 332 to the size of the base 302, e.g., by pressing the base 302a toward the opening 332, allowing the base 302 a to pass through theopening 332 and into the carrier 304. As seen in FIGS. 11 a and 11 b,for the example, once the base 302 a passes into the opening 332, thesidewalls 336 elastically return to or nearly to the original shape,retaining the base 302 a between the adhesive layer 326 and thesidewalls 336. Similar to as discussed above with respect to the carrier14, the sidewalls 336 can be formed of a material and configured so thatthe temperature sensor 302 and the carrier 304 can be assembled withoutexcessive force but with sufficient force to securely retain thetemperature sensor in the carrier.

FIG. 21 depicts the sensor assembly 300 affixed to a child for use. Asdiscussed above, the assembly 300 can be contoured, either in anoriginal configuration or through flexibility of the temperature sensor302 and/or carrier 304, to substantially conform to the child's bodypart—the temple in this embodiment.

FIGS. 22-26 depict another embodiment of a temperature sensor assembly400, which includes a sensor device 402 and a carrier 404, similar toassembly 300, sensor device 302 and carrier 304. The carrier 404 iscomprised of a frame 405, a single-sided breathable fabric 406 arrangedon a first side of the frame 405, an adhesive layer 408 affixed to asecond side of the frame, and a peel-off backing 410 affixed to theadhesive layer 408. The carrier 404 also includes an opening thereinconfigured for receiving the sensor device 402 therethrough. Atransparent protrusion 412 that has ventilation openings 413 extendsacross the opening in the carrier 404. The protrusion is configured toaccommodate at least part to of the sensor device 402. The sensor device402 includes a plurality of thermistors 414 extending from a base of thedevice 402. As best seen in FIG. 26, when arranged in the protrusion 412of the carrier 404, the thermistors 414 extend past the carrier 404 inorder to engage the user's skin.

As shown in an embodiment in FIGS. 27 and 28, the sensor device 402 isattachable to an adjustable armband 416 for attachment to a user's arm,to measure the body temperature at that location.

FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate yet another embodiment of a temperaturesensor assembly 500. The assembly 500 comprises a sensor device 502,similar to sensor devices 302, 402, which includes a plurality ofthermistors 504 protruding therefrom and a carrier 506, which has anopening 508 therein and is comprised of a frame 510, a layer of soft,breathable material 512 arranged on a first side of the frame 510, anadhesive layer 514 arranged on a second side of the frame 510 with apeel-off backing 516 protecting the adhesive properties of the adhesivelayer 514. FIGS. 31-33 depict an embodiment of a charging device 518,similar to charging system 54 described above, that can be used tocharge the sensor device 502 and store carrier 504.

FIG. 34 depicts a further embodiment of a temperature sensor assembly600, which includes a sensor device 602 and a carrier 604, similar tocarrier 506 but having a different shape and color. The carrier 604 isshaped for use on a different part of the body as carrier 506. Those ofordinary skill in the art should understand that the carrier can beshaped and configured as desired, including, for example, as suitablefor use on a particular body part.

As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent artbased on the teachings herein, numerous changes and modifications may bemade to the above-described and other embodiments of the presentinvention without departing from its scope as defined in the appendedclaims. In addition, like parts can be used in any and all embodimentswithout departing from the scope of the embodiment. Furthermore, thoughthe invention may be used for body temperature measurement, it should beunderstood that the invention may be utilized for other applications aswell, such as, for example, measurement of body mass index, caloriesburned, or distance walked per day. Accordingly, this detaileddescription of embodiments is to be taken in an illustrative as opposedto a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for sensing body temperature andwirelessly communicating measured data to at least one electronicdevice, the apparatus comprising: a sensor device having a housing base,a housing cover releasably mounted to the housing base so as to permitremoval of the housing cover from and re-attachment of the housing coverto the housing base, and components within one or more of the housingbase or the housing cover configured for sensing body temperature andwirelessly communicating the measured data, said components including atemperature sensor, a power supply, a microprocessor, and a transmitterand receiver.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprisingat least one light source.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2,wherein the at least one light source is an LED.
 4. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor comprises athermistor or a thermocouple.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the power supply comprises a battery.
 6. The apparatus accordingto claim 5, wherein the battery is disposable.
 7. The apparatusaccording to claim 5, wherein the battery is rechargeable.
 8. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power supply is supplied viaa power cord.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the powersupply is direct current.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 8,wherein the power supply is alternating current.
 11. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the microprocessor includes embeddedsoftware and dynamic memory storage.
 12. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the transmitter and the receiver are adapted tocommunicate with the at least one electronic device via at least one of:R-F communication, infrared communication, Bluetooth communication, andWi-Fi communication.
 13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein theat least one electronic device is one or more of: a smart phone, atablet, a mobile computer or a desktop computer.
 14. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, further comprising a flexible carrier having anaperture therein, wherein the aperture is configured to engage thesensor device and the aperture releasably retains the sensor device tothe carrier within the aperture.
 15. The apparatus according to claim14, wherein the housing cover has a peripheral projection extendingtherefrom and the housing base has a peripheral groove in which theperipheral projection is engageable to define between the housing coverand housing base a peripheral channel.
 16. The apparatus according toclaim 15, wherein the sensor device is retained in the aperture of thecarrier by the peripheral channel.
 17. The apparatus according to claim15, wherein the housing base has a peripheral lip that extends from theperipheral groove and the sensor device is retained via the peripherallip on the carrier.
 18. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein thehousing base has a peripheral lip that extends from the peripheralgroove and the sensor device is retained by the peripheral lip on thecarrier and the peripheral channel.
 19. The apparatus according to claim14, wherein the sensor device and the carrier are configured to providea press-fit or snap-fit engagement of the sensor device and the carrierby applying force to one or more of the carrier or the sensor devicerelative to the other, thereby elastically deforming the aperture andallowing the sensor device to pass into the aperture.
 20. The apparatusaccording to claim 14, wherein the carrier is comprised of breathablematerial.
 21. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the carrierincludes a frame.
 22. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein thecarrier has an adhesive layer with a first side and a second side, thefirst side being affixed to the frame and the second side beingremovably affixable to a user.
 23. The apparatus according to claim 22,wherein the carrier includes a backing layer, which is affixable to theadhesive layer for protection of the adhesive layer from an environmentprior to use.
 24. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein thehousing base has a protrusion in which the temperature sensor isarranged and the protrusion is contactable with a user to obtain a bodytemperature reading of the user.
 25. A kit comprising: a sensor devicehaving a housing base, a housing cover releasably mounted to the housingbase so as to permit removal of the housing cover from and reattachmentof the housing cover to the housing base, and components within one ormore of the housing base or the housing cover configured for sensingbody temperature and wirelessly communicating the measured data, saidcomponents including a temperature sensor, a power supply, amicroprocessor, and a transmitter and receiver; a carrier having anaperture therein, wherein the aperture is configured to engage thesensor device and releasably retain the sensor device to the carrierwithin the aperture; and a charging unit adapted to charge the powersupply.
 26. The kit according to claim 25, wherein the charging unitcomprises a charging cover, a charging base, a port within the chargingbase for fittingly receiving the device therein, and a power cord. 27.The kit according to claim 26, wherein the power cord is connectable toat least one of a wall outlet and a USB device.
 28. The kit according toclaim 25, wherein the charging unit includes a storage unit for storingthe carrier.
 29. A method for sensing body temperature and wirelesslycommunicating measured body temperature to at least one electronicdevice, the method comprising the steps of: communicatingly connecting adevice configured to sense body temperature wirelessly to the at leastone electronic device; inserting the device into a carrier having anaperture therein, wherein the aperture is configured to engage thesensor device and releasably retain the sensor device to the carrierwithin the aperture; attaching the device to a user; measuring the bodytemperature of the user; transmitting the measured body temperature ofthe user measured wirelessly from the device to the at least oneelectronic device; and displaying the temperature on the at least oneelectronic device.
 30. The method according to claim 29, wherein thetemperature measured is displayed in an application installed on the atleast one electronic device.
 31. The method according to claim 29,further comprising the step of transmitting data from the at least oneelectronic device to the device sensing body temperature.
 32. The methodaccording to claim 31, wherein the data comprises measurementinstructions.
 33. The method according to claim 29, wherein the bodytemperature measured is wirelessly transmitted from the sensing deviceto one or more of: a smart phone, a tablet, a mobile computer and adesktop computer.
 34. A method of assembling a sensing device and acarrier for sensing body temperature and wirelessly communicatingmeasured data to at least one electronic device, the method comprising:providing a sensor device adapted to measure body temperature; providinga carrier having an opening therein, wherein the opening is configuredto engage the sensor device and releasably retain the sensor device tothe carrier within the opening; and arranging the sensor device in theopening of the carrier.
 35. The method of claim 34, wherein thearranging step comprises press fitting or snap-fitting the sensor deviceinto the opening by applying force to one or more of the carrier or thesensor device relative to the other, thereby elastically deforming theopening and allowing the sensor device to pass into the opening.
 36. Themethod of claim 34, wherein the carrier has a perforated tab extendinginto the opening and engaging the sensor device and the method furthercomprises the step of pulling the tab to disengage the tab from thesensor device and release the sensor device from the carrier.
 37. Thekit according to claim 28, wherein the storage unit is configured tostore at least one additional of said carrier.
 38. An apparatus forsensing body temperature and wirelessly communicating measured data toat least one electronic device, the apparatus comprising: a sensordevice having a housing base, a housing cover releasably mountable tothe housing base, and components for sensing body temperature andwirelessly communicating the measured data, including a temperaturesensor, a power supply, a microprocessor, and a transmitter andreceiver; a flexible carrier having an aperture therein for releasablyretaining the sensor device; wherein the housing cover has a peripheralprojection extending therefrom and the housing base has a peripheralgroove in which the peripheral projection is engageable; and one or moreof: (i) the peripheral groove and the peripheral projection areengageable to define between the housing cover and housing base aperipheral channel, wherein the sensor device is retained in theaperture of the carrier by the peripheral channel; or (ii) the housingbase has a peripheral lip that extends from the peripheral groove andthe sensor device is retained via the peripheral lip on the carrier. 39.A method of assembling a sensing device and a carrier for sensing bodytemperature and wirelessly communicating measured data to at least oneelectronic device, the method comprising: providing a sensor deviceadapted to measure body temperature; providing a carrier having anopening configured to retain the sensor device therein; and arrangingthe sensor device in the opening of the carrier; wherein the carrier hasa tab extending into the opening and engaging the sensor device; and themethod further includes pulling the tab to disengage the tab from thesensor device and release the sensor device from the carrier.